John Adams–
School teacher and President of the United States
No pay from TFA (Teach for America)
4/15/2013 — "On campus, before you apply, they promote themselves as one of the top employers of college grads in the nation. They convinced me that after five weeks of training I would be a great teacher, even better than licensed professionals they said. I couldn't find any other job, so I signed up to work for them. I expected to earn enough money at Summer Institute to pay my expenses to move halfway across the country to my new teaching job. But, they didn't pay us. I started off borrowing money through a loan plan they had set up for us." (...more)
Erase to the Top -- Michelle Rhee's DC cheating scandal
4/14/2013 — Chris Hayes: Michelle Rhee is presented with this document. That much we know. At least her deputy for accountablility presents her with it. Presumably she saw it. John Merrow: I know she saw it. I have a reliable source. We verified this. Incidentally, people are very afraid of Michelle Rhee. A source high in DCPS confirmed the authenticity of this. And, I have been reporting now for 39 years. When I took it to this source's home, that person was trembling as I presented it to that person. I have never seen anyone quite that scared. The other confirmation came from the DC inspector general. So, we know it is authentic. We know from reliable sources that Chancellor Rhee saw this and talked about it. (...more)
Go Away TFA -- Oregon HB 2878
3/19/2013 — There are red flags all over this bill. Even if it isn't a pretext to welcome TFA into HB HB 2878 allows person to teach certain courses in schools without being licensed. Oregon, it is a frightening precedent in regard to retirement restrictions, collective bargaining rights, and faculty composition. This bill is slated for a hearing March 25th. (...more)
Opt Out Resources
3/17/2013 — High stakes testing fosters test score-driven education rather than meeting the individual needs of students. The emphasis on testing puts pressure on the child, who learns that it is not learning that matters but getting a good test score. The child who does not pass the first time is identified for intensive coaching, making the child feel different. The extra time devoted to coaching is time the student may lose in enrichment subjects, PE, recess, and other activities that make school enjoyable. (...more)
